This past weekend, we made the most humane decision for our two beloved elderly draft horses, Summer and Autumn: helping them peacefully pass on from this world, free of pain. Over the last 6 months, we’ve navigated weekly challenges, diagnosing and treating separate issues for both girls. Autumn's enlarged lymphoedema leg suddenly became agonizingly painful, hindering her ability to step. Meanwhile, Summer’s massive sarcoid gradually receded with the help of a tourniquet, but it revealed irreversible damage that had reached all the way to her bones. They couldn't comfortably stand any longer, and our options for treatment had sadly run out. These two incredible beings spent 2 precious years with us, living a life they probably never thought possible. No more pulling tractors or daily grind. Instead, just long days of rest, tailor-made meals, a whole lot of furry family members, kind volunteers, curious tour guests, and endless moments of brushing and braiding. We are deeply grateful for the time we had with them, and even though this was an incredibly painful goodbye, we did so knowing we fought to the very last breath for their recovery.
We owe a huge thank you to Dr. Metcalf who paid twice weekly visits, executing a long list of methodical plans that showed we absolutely gave them our all. We find peace in the fact that their two diseases progressed at the same time. Since their arrival, they were inseparable – drinking, eating, and sleeping side by side. The thought of one leaving before the other always was always a concern for a bonded pair like this.
They both left us on a sunlit day, resting beneath the shade of a tree. And we're confident Willow welcomed them and is with them now. These are the tough moments we face on the farm.. We want to thank you all from the bottom of our hearts for supporting the work we do to provide the utmost care for these animals, so that they can experience the love they so very much deserve.
